Would-be robbery victim turns tables on suspects

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May 13, 2010 4:10:39 AM PDT

Eyewitness News

EAST HARLEM --

Police say a 25-year-old man turned the tables on a pair of would-be robbers, grabbing their gun and shooting them both, killing one. Authorities say the man went to a fourth-floor apartment inside 1952 Second Avenue to buy a bicycle just after 7 p.m. Wednesday.

They say when he knocked on the door, two armed men pulled him inside and demanded money.

The scuffle spilled back into the hallway. During a struggle for the gun, the victim grabbed the weapon and shot them both.

Authorities say 27-year-old Thomas Kearse was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at Metropolitan Hospital. The other suspect, 22-year-old Kenneth Moore, was shot in the back and rushed to Lincoln Hospital, where he was in critical condition.

The victim reported the shooting to the police, bringing the gun with him. He was not charged.

Both suspects have lengthy criminal records, and the man who fired the shots also has prior arrests.